Method and system for indexing, sorting, and displaying a video database

ABSTRACT

A method and system is provided for indexing, sorting, and displaying a video database. Hardware and software components, and a novel encoding process are used to provide a searchable video and informational database. Each encoder and the User use specially configured graphical user interfaces to access the system. In the preferred embodiment, component clips of different videotape views of a sporting event are batch encoded and synchronized. Data which remains constant for at least a part of a game is automatically reused. A MasterPlayerId assigned to each player is used to index all video clips and information relating to that player. A rating service provides ratings of individual plays or players. The present invention includes powerful search features that permit a User to search the informational and video database according to numerous predefined and customized criteria. A novel encoding scheme permit the viewing of MPEG format video clips in a form. of slow motion. A dedicated console permits the User to view selected information using a first display screen while simultaneously displaying some or all of this information to at least one other person using a second display screen. The present invention also permits the User to select and save custom view sets of video clips, and to control the video display. The User can switch this camera view during play or can replay a clip from a different camera view.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the xerographic reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to video databases. Morespecifically, the present invention is directed to a method and systemfor providing a video database that can be sorted to produce anindividualized, user-configurable video presentation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Film and video have long been used to document athletic performances. Itis now customary for coaches and players to review films of theirperformances, as well as of their competitors' performances.

Films and videos of athletic events are also commonly used by scouts andrecruiters to locate talented players. However, these tapes must bemanually compiled and edited for review. For example, a video tape of afootball game must be heavily edited if the reviewer only wishes to viewthe performance of an individual player.

It has not been readily possible for a scout or recruiter to searchthrough video records of many games, such as a season, to view only theperformance of a selected player or type of play. In addition,statistical information relating to the selected player must beseparately provided.

It is known in the prior art to link an informational database to avideo database. For example, a method for annotating full motion digitalvideo frames is described in King, et al, Method and Apparatus forAnnotating Full Motion Video and Other Indexed Data Structures, U.S.Pat. No. 5,600,775. The King process provides graphical, textual, anddigital element overlays for the digital video frames. On videoplayback, the annotations are displayed on the originally annotatedframes.

The King process is therefore directed to superimposing a graphical ortextual display over the video, or appending an audio soundtrackthereto. However, the King process does not teach a method forsynchronizing a plurality of video frames. Thus, it is not readilypossible to immediately switch from one video tape view to a differentvideo tape view of the same event.

Furthermore, the King process does not disclose a method or system forindexing a plurality of video frames with an informational database topermit the display on demand of video frames and data relating to anyindividual who appears in at least one video frame.

It would therefore be an advantage to provide a method and system forindexing an informational database to a video record. It would be afurther advantage if such method and system permitted thesynchronization for rapid display of multiple video tape views of anevent. It would be yet another advantage if such method and systemcreated a database that could be searched for video records andinformation relating to any individual who appears in a part of thevideo record.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and system for indexing,sorting, and displaying a video database. The preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is adapted for use in indexing the video displayof one or more sporting events, such as a season of league footballgames. However, it is readily apparent that the method and systemaccording to the present invention can also be used to index, sort, anddisplay video recordings of other types of events, including but notlimited to theatrical performances, musical events, or politicalspeeches.

The present invention includes hardware and software components, andimplements a novel encoding process to provide a searchable video andinformational database. The present invention can be implemented usingany suitable computer system, including one or more personal computers,a “dumb” terminal, a network of interconnected computers, a personaldigital assistant, an intranet system, or the Internet. In addition, thepresent invention uses at least one database to store the videodatabase, as well as any other information to be indexed thereto. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, five encoding levels areused to enter data into at least one searchable computer database. Anintelligent scene detection process can also be used to automate any orall of the encoding processes. Each encoder and the User use speciallyconfigured graphical user interfaces (GUI s) to access the system.

Each level has its own designated security-encoding status. Thus, eachlevel can be accessed only by entering the correct LogIn name andPassword. The present invention implements security and administrationprotocols to provide remote and secure access to the database byencoders, Users, as well as by technical support and system maintenancepersonnel.

In a first encoding level, the component clips of a videotape aredetermined and named using a file naming protocol. This information isthen batch encoded and stored to one or more system databases.

In a second encoding level, all play information is indexed. Jerseynumbers for the players in each video clip are entered into the databasein the third encoding level. In alternative embodiments, otherinformation such as identifying symbols can also be entered into thedatabase in the third encoding level. The third encoder also assigns aMasterPlayerId to each player in the database. This MasterPlayerId isused to index all video clips and information relating to that player.

In the fourth encoding level, the clips and the individual players areevaluated and assigned a rating, which is also entered into thedatabase. The present invention includes an optional rating servicewhich can provide ratings of individual plays or players. This servicecan be distributed as an on-demand service, or can be distributed aspart of a database that can be updated, as desired by the User.

Database updates, and any other statistics or information are enteredinto the database in the fifth encoding level. The present inventionuses a SuperFill process to automatically reuse data which will remainconstant for a group of clips, or for all clips in a game. A User canthen access the database and display selected information and clips fromthe database.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the End-User GUIis adapted for display on a dedicated console that permits the User toview selected information using a first display screen whilesimultaneously displaying some or all of this information to at leastone other person using a second display screen. The first display screendisplays the statistics, video, and complete features of the User GUI.The second display screen is preferably a rotatable audience displayscreen that displays only the video clip display.

The present invention includes powerful “intelligent” search featuresthat permit a User to search the database according to numerouspredefined and customized criteria. For example, The User can use theEnd-User GUI of the present invention to search the database forinformation and video clips selected according to searchable criteria.Such criteria include, but are not limited to, player name, a particulargame or games, type of play, play rating, and contract status.Information about a selected player such as statistics, activity, andinjury reports can also be displayed. In addition, the User can view andsum any combination of game play statistics.

The End-User GUI includes displays for such features as a player search,player statistics, player information, View Time Control, and videoscreen box. The User can configure the appearance of the End-Userinterface using a User Preferences GUI. The present invention alsopermits the User to select and save custom view sets of video clips, andto control the video display by selecting the number of video clips, andthe total viewing time.

The present invention includes a play loop function that permits theUser to automatically return to the beginning of a selected video clip.The present invention also permits the User to select the order of playfor the clips and to select the camera view displayed. The User canswitch this camera view during play or can replay a clip from adifferent camera view. The present invention includes a view selectionfeature that displays a video clip from a view that is determined bysuch factors as the position of a selected player, or the type of play.

The present invention also provides an isolation play mode in which theUser will view only a selected portion of a video clip. Furthermore, thepresent invention uses a novel encoding scheme to permit the viewing ofMPEG format video clips in a form of slow motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a master flow chart of the method and system for indexing avideo database according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a screen display of a password and LogOn Sequence GUIaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an end-user application process according tothe present invention;

FIG. 4a is a screen display of an end user display according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a screen display of a selection box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4c is a screen display of a Player Information Box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4d is a screen display of a Statistics box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4e is a screen display of a View Time Control box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4f is a screen display of a Video Screen Box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a screen display of a User Preferences GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first encoding process according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a screen display of a BatchEncodingList GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a second encoding process according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a screen display of a second encoder GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a third encoding process according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a screen display of a tracking sequence GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a fourth encoding process according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a screen display of a clip evaluation GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a fifth encoding process according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 is a screen display of a database update GUI according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a system diagram of a system for indexing, sorting, anddisplaying a video database according to the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a system diagram of the security and administrationarchitecture according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and system for indexing,sorting, and displaying a video database. The preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is adapted for use in indexing the video displayof one or more sporting events, such as a season of league footballgames. However, it is readily apparent that the method and systemaccording to the present invention can also be used to index, sort, anddisplay video recordings of other types of events, including but notlimited to theatrical performances, musical events, or politicalspeeches.

The present invention is described herein with respect to the sport offootball. Thus, the examples provided describe a method and system forindexing a video display of any or all of the games of at least oneseason in a football league. However, this description is provided forpurposes of example only, and is not intended in any way as a limitationupon the scope of the present invention.

The invention uses at least one database structure to store the videodatabase, as well as any other information to be indexed thereto. Theterm “database” is used in this application to refer to the databasestructure and any database located therein. The term “database” is usedfor exemplary purposes only, and is not meant to limit the presentinvention to the use of one database. One skilled in the art willappreciate that any number of databases can be used to store the videoclips and information used in the present invention.

The term “User” in the present application refers to an End-User of theinvention. The term “user” in the present application refers to anyperson who uses the invention, including but not limited to an encoder,End-User, programmer, or technical support personnel.

FIG. 1 is a master flow chart of the method and system for indexing avideo database according to the present invention. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, five encoding levels are used toenter data into at least one searchable computer database structure.However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the number ofencoding levels, and the specific data to be entered at each level, arereadily modified according to the particular process requirements.

The present invention can be implemented using any suitable computersystem, including one or more personal computers, a “dumb” terminal, anetwork of interconnected computers, a personal digital assistant, asatellite communications system, an intranet system, the Internet or anyother suitable means of digital communication. Furthermore, each levelof the present invention can be accessed using a different type ofterminal or computer. For example, the first encoding level can beperformed using a personal computer, while the User can access and viewthe information using a “dumb” terminal connected to the inventiondatabases through the Internet.

In the first encoding level, the discrete component clips of a videorecord, such as a videotape, are determined and named using a filenaming protocol (1000). This information is stored in an identificationdatabase as a BatchEncoding List (1005). All encoding levels, as well asthe end-user level, are accessible through a password and LogOn Sequence(1010). The password and LogOn Sequence is described in more detail withregard to FIG. 2. Each of these levels can only be accessed by theappropriate encoder or user.

In the second encoding level, all play information is indexed (1015).Player jersey numbers for the players in each video clip are enteredinto the database in the third encoding level (1020). In the fourthencoding level, the clips and the individual players are evaluated andassigned a rating (1025). This rating is then entered into the database.Database updates, and any other statistics or information are enteredinto the database in the fifth encoding level (1030). The End-User(User) can then access the database and display selected information andclips from the database (1035).

The encoders and the User use graphical user interfaces (GUI s) toaccess the system. Each GUI is specifically configured for theappropriate level. For example, an encoder GUI includes fields for theentry of data into the database, while the End-User GUI contains fieldsthat permit the User to search the database for selected information.These GUI s are described below with respect to the individual encodingand User levels.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the End-User GUI(described below in more detail with respect to FIG. 4) is adapted fordisplay on a dedicated console. An example of such console is shown inAppendix “A,” attached hereto and incorporated as a part hereof. Theconsole can be configured as a kiosk, if desired.

The console permits the User to view selected information using a firstdisplay screen while simultaneously displaying some or all of thisinformation to at least one other person using a second display screen.For example, the dedicated console can include a User Display screenthat displays the End-User GUI to the User only. This User displayscreen can be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display(LCD), portable display, projection display, standard NTSC display, orhigh definition television display.

A rotatable audience display screen that only displays the video clipdisplay can also be provided. This second display screen is used forpresentations in which it is not desirable for the viewers to see oraccess the statistics, video, and complete features of the User GUI.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the selectedinformation is displayed on any appropriate video display, such as atelevision, video monitor, or liquid crystal display.

FIG. 2 is a screen display of a password and LogOn Sequence GUI 100according to the present invention. To log on to the system of thepresent invention, a user first selects the desired path. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the path is selected byclicking a button. However, the path can be selected using any otherappropriate means, including a check box, command button, keyboardentry, drop-down list box, list box, slider text box, touch-sensitivescreen, or voice recognition.

Thus, the first encoder selects the Name path 101, the second encoderselects the Log path 102, the third encoder selects the Track path, thefourth encoder selects the Rate path 106, the fifth encoder selects theProfile path 108, and the end-user selects the User path 110.

Each level has its own designated security-encoding status. Therefore,each level can be accessed only by entering the correct LogIn name 112and Password 114 for the particular path selected. If the correct LogInname and Password have been entered, the system will open the selectedapplication(s). The security and administration architecture 116 of thepresent invention will be discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 17.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an end-user application process according tothe present invention. The User accesses the invention by entering theinformation during the LogOn Sequence (1010). The End-User GUI isdisplayed in response to the correct entry of this security information(1060). Different User access levels can be provided and secured withpassword or other appropriate security protocols.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the End-User GUIincludes displays for such features as a player search (1065), playerstatistics (Statistics) (1070), player information (1075), View TimeControl (VTC) (1080), and video screen box (1085). The User canconfigure these features using a User Preferences GUI (1095). TheEnd-User GUI, as well as any GUI of the present invention, canoptionally display a logo or advertisement (1090). Such logo oradvertisement can include, but is not limited to, any of a graphicaldisplay, animation, video, audio display, or text display.

FIG. 4a is a screen display of an end-user display 130 according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. The end-user displayincludes a selection box 132 that permits the User to search thedatabase for information and video clips selected according tosearchable criteria. Information about a selected player is displayed ina Player Information Box 170. The selected video clips, and selectedplayer activity and injury reports are displayed in a viewing screen 270in the Video Screen Box 250.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the End-User GUIalso includes a Statistics box 210 that permits the User to locate clipsfrom any particular game, combination of games, or all games. The Usercan select the total number of minutes of video clip footage which theUser desires to view in the View Time Control box 220.

FIG. 4b is a screen display of a selection box 132 according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. The play lists of clipsto be viewed are generated using the Clip ID numbers of selected clips.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the User clicksthe appropriate button to select criteria for the search.

Such criteria can include, but are not limited to, a player's name 134,position 136, and past team 138. The User can also sort the database tosearch for video clips for viewing according to the status of a player.For example, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theUser can select among status categories including Unrestricted FreeAgent (UFA) 150, Free Agent (FA) 152, or Restricted Free Agent (RFA) 154players. The selected status is indicated in a status display 156.

If the Free Agent status has previously been selected, the User can alsonarrow the search using the player's contract termination date 140. TheFind button 162 is then clicked to initiate a search.

A scrollable list 142 of players' names can be generated using thesesearch features. The name of the player who is the closest match to thesearch criteria is indicated by such means as highlighting 160,centering the name display, using different fonts, and changing the fontsize of the player's name display. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the players' names list can be scrolled up 144 ordown 146 by the User.

The User can also locate in the database a particular player'sinformation without providing any search information. In such case,after clicking the Find button, the User is provided with a scrollablelist displaying the names of all players whose information is stored inthe database. The User can then scroll through the list to select aplayer. A new search can be initiated at any time by altering the searchcriteria and clicking the Find button.

The User clicks on the name of a player in the scrollable list todisplay that player's information in the Player Information Box 170,shown in FIG. 4c. In response to the selection of a particular player,the Player Information Box displays the player's profile information.Such information can include the player's:

name; 172 photo; 176 jersey number; 174 position; 176 present team; 180present team's logo; 182 height; 184 weight; 186 speed; 188 experience;190 college; 192 date of birth; 194 age; 196 agent; 198 last team; 200and salary requirements. 202

FIG. 4d is a screen display of a Statistics box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. The Statistics boxincludes selectable buttons 212 representing each game in a pre-seasonand season. The User can click on any of these buttons to locate clipsfrom any particular game, combination of games, or all games. In thepreferred embodiment, the buttons representing any games for which videoclips, in which the selected player appears, are stored in the databaseare automatically displayed upon selection of the player.

In response to the selection of a particular player, the Statistics boxindicates the number of games in which the player has played during theselected season. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the number of games is indicated by lighting up the button 212 for eachgame played. However, different indicators can be used in alternativeembodiments of the present invention.

The Statistics box also displays the selected player's statistics. Thesestatistics are summed up and displayed in the statistical range analyzerbar 330. The specific statistics displayed in the statistical rangeanalyzer bar differ according to the field position played by theselected player.

The User can optionally view statistics on a game-by-game basis, and canadd or subtract these statistics from the season total. If the “all”button 214 is clicked, statistics for all games in which the player hasparticipated for that season are displayed. Alternatively, the User canselect the “none” button 216, which clears all statistics from theStatistics box. The User can then view and sum any combination of gameplay statistics.

FIG. 4e is a screen display of a View Time Control box according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. The View Time Controlincorporates features used to formulate and direct queries to thedatabase and to return data in response thereto.

In the View Time Control (VTC) box 220, the User can select the totalnumber of minutes of video clip footage which the User desires to view.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a slider 222having settings from Minimum to Maximum is used to select the number ofminutes. However, any alternative selection means can be used, such as atext box. The total number of minutes selected can then be displayed244.

A quality selector 224 can be provided to permit a User to select thequality of plays to display. This quality selector functions togetherwith the slider 222 to permit the User to select both the total viewingtime, and the quality of the viewed plays. User preferences can also beprovided to permit the User to specify, for example, the type of play,the success of play, yardage, significance of play, conference versusnon-conference plays, or a random assortment of plays to display. TheUser preferences are described below with respect to FIG. 5.

The VTC box also permits the User to specify other search elements. Forexample, the quality selector slider 224 can be adjusted by the User todisplay plays in any selected range between best and worst plays. In thepreferred embodiment, mandatory search selections such as Home Game 226,Away Game 228, Natural Turf 230, and Artificial Turf 232 arepreselected, but can be deselected by the User. The other selectioncriteria displayed in the VTC box are dependent upon the player'sposition. Such criteria can include Receive Short 234, Receive Long 236,Receive Over Middle 238 and Run After the Catch 240.

An Isolation Play 242 button can also be provided in the VTC box. TheUser clicks on the Isolation Play button to toggle the isolation mode onand off. In the isolation mode, the User will view only that portion ofeach video clip that has been marked with Isolation Play “In” and “Out”points. The Isolation Play feature will be described in more detail withrespect to FIG. 13.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Video ScreenBox 250 displays the scores for the Home 252 and Visitor 254 teams foreach clip currently being played. The Video Screen Box also can displaythe down 256, yardage 258, time 260, and quarter of play 262 for thecurrent clip.

The User can click the appropriate week number button 264 to select agame to be viewed according to the game's week number in a selectedseason. The button representing the selected week can then behighlighted to indicate this selection.

The End-User GUI is readily configurable. A reversal button 266 permitsthe User to toggle between different screen views. For example, the Usercan position the viewing screen 270 at either the left or the right ofthe GUI and toggle between these two different views.

Activity, Camera, and Injury buttons 272, 274, 276 are provided in theVideo Screen Box 250 to allow the User to select among the types ofdisplays to be shown in the viewing screen. In the preferred embodiment,the Activity Screen (not shown) is the default screen display. TheActivity screen displays the selected player's Activity Report. TheInjury Screen (not shown) displays the selected player's injury history.The Activity and Injury Screens can also be configured to initiallydisplay selected information. For example, the Activity Screen can beconfigured to initially display the player's most recent activity, orthe Injury Screen can be configured to display all information relatingto a player knee injuries.

When the Camera Screen (not shown) is displayed, the first video clipfor the selected player is loaded, in a paused state, into the VideoScreen Box for playing. The Camera Control box 280 contains standardvideo clip playback 282, Rewind 284, Forward 286, and pause 288controls.

The Rewind and Forward buttons have different functionalities in thePause and Play modes. In the Pause mode, the User clicks the Rewind orPlay buttons to jump backward or forward, respectively, in the currentlyloaded video clip. The length of this jump is selected using the frameselection box 290.

In the Play mode, the Rewind and Play buttons are used to control thevideo clip at a frame decrement or increment rate, respectively,determined by the frame selection. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the video clips are stored in the Motion PictureExpert's Group (MPEG-2) format. The MPEG format is a highly compressiblevideo stream that provides maximizes image quality while reducing therequired bandwidth.

MPEG-2technology does not currently support frame-scrolling. The MPEGformat is not frame-accurate. A frame known as the I-frame is used tosynchronize the sequential frames following thereafter.

The MPEG format does not readily permit slow motion viewing because theslow motion cannot be started at any selected frame. Furthermore, it isnot readily possible to go back one frame from a displayed frame.Rather, the video must return back to the previous I-frame torecalculate the sequential display of all the subsequent frames.

Thus, slow motion viewing of MPEG-2 format video clips is not readilyimplemented. The invention solves this problem by using a variableback-frame shuttle technology to control the video clip at a framedecrement or increment rate. This permits the User to view the videoclip in a form of slow motion, for example by incrementing the videoclip displayed by two clips at a selected rate.

The Pause button flashes until the User clicks the button to play thevideo clip. Clicking the Play button while a video clip is playingpauses the clip.

The User can select the next consecutive video clip 302 or return to thebeginning of the current clip 304 using the appropriate Clip Control 300buttons. Double-clicking on the Back Button at the beginning of a clipreturns the User to the previous clip.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the Userclicks the Play Loop Set switch 306 in the Clip Control box, the PlayLoop label is illuminated (not shown) and the Set display 310 begins toflash. In the Play Loop mode, a clip loops continuously between thestart and the end of the clip, as determined by previously encoded Inand Out points. (See discussion of FIG. 6.)

The User can set customized In and Out points using the Play Loop In andOut buttons 326, 328 that are displayed in the Play Loop mode. A newloop sequence can thereby be created. If a new Play Loop In point isselected but no Play Loop Out point, then the end of the clip is thedefault Out point. Conversely, the beginning of the clip is the defaultIn point when the Play Loop Out point only has been selected.

The User can turn off the looping function by clicking again on the PlayLoop Set switch. The switch is thereby moved to the off position, andthe looping play is terminated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a clip button (not shown)can be provided to permit the User to define a custom view set. The clipbutton is clicked to display a custom view dialog. An example of acustom view set dialog is illustrated in “B” attached hereto andincorporated as a part hereof. This custom view dialog can prompt theUser as to whether the User wishes to define a custom view set.

If the User elects to define a custom view set, a current view set ofthe currently-selected search parameters is displayed. The User can thenselect individual plays from this current view set. Selected plays caninclude fumbles, interceptions, touchdowns, or can be based on encoderor User-defined, or other criteria. The custom view set feature can alsoinclude a search mechanism to permit the User to search for clips bysuch criteria as, for example, down, score, or time.

Plays from more than one current view sets can be saved to the same fileto provide a current view set, for example, of fumbles, best plays ofthe week, or of any other User-defined parameters. Such custom view setscan be saved to the database. The User can then search for stored customview sets for later display.

Stored clips can also be marked as a custom view set, thereby creatingcustom reviews or presentations. A custom view set can also includepersonal notes from the end-user, such as comments about a play.

The VTC settings reflect the most current data available to the system.Any changes or additional data which affect a previously-defined customview set can be accommodated by automatically updating the custom viewset. Alternatively, the original custom view set can be provided with. Adialog box can then be generated to query the User whether the Userwishes to update the custom view set. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, custom view set parameters supersede the settings ofthe View Time Control.

The User can optionally select the order of screen display in the UserPreferences. The User Preferences will be described in more detail withrespect to FIG. 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the User designates, in the User Preferences GUI, the order of play forthe clips. For example, the User can view clips in chronological orreverse chronological order, by rating number, or by other viewingcriteria. In the absence of such selection, a default clip, such as thefirst clip of the game played four weeks earlier, is selected forplaying.

The Switchback Control 320 permits the User to toggle between cameraviews, such as a sideline view 334 or an endzone 336 view, therebypermitting alternate angle replay. An embedded snap point is used tosynchronize the clips. The snap point will be described in detail withrespect to FIG. 11.

The time increment selector 322 allows the User to specify the number ofseconds that the clip will be rewound before the angle is switched. Thisfeature accommodates the individual User's speed in toggling the view.The User can click on the Back button 324 to view an instant replay ofthe video clip, without toggling the view. The User clicks on the Setbutton 326 to display, the User preferences interface in the videoscreen box. (See FIG. 5).

The User can therefore view a video clip from, for example, a sidelineview, and replay the clip from the endzone view. Alternatively, theinvention is readily configured to provide a default view. This defaultview can be determined in response to a selected player's position.Thus, upon the selection of an offensive tackle, the default viewdisplayed is the endzone view. The User can instantly switch the angleof view during the playing of the video clip, or during the rewinding orforwarding of the clip.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a Power On Button332 is highlighted while the system interface is in use. The User clickson the Power Button Off to display a dialog box (not shown) containingan inquiry for verifying whether the User wishes to exit from the systemprogram.

The User can set customized preferences for player search criteria, andfor viewing the clips returned from a search. FIG. 5 is a screen displayof a User Preferences GUI 350 according to the present invention. ThisGUI is displayed in the video screen box when the User clicks on the Setbutton, as previously described.

The User can select, review, and edit some or all user preferences usingthe User Preferences GUI. For example, the User can designate theplaying order of the clips, the number of games to be searched 352,whether the footage is to be delivered in chronological or reversechronological order 354, change a password, select the first screenview, and choose the default camera angle.

The password change preference 356 allows the User to change the User'spassword. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Userchanges this password by entering the old password 358 and then enteringthe new password twice 360, for confirmation.

The first screen view preference is used to select whether the ActivityScreen 272, Camera View Screen 274, or Injury Report Screen 276 isdisplayed first, upon the initiation of a search.

The User can also select the default camera angle and can set specificcamera angles for viewing specific player positions. For example, theUser may prefer viewing all video clips of offensive tackles from asideline angle view 334, while viewing all video clips of the placekicker from the endzone 336.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, five encodinglevels are used to enter data into at least one searchable computerdatabase. The encoding of these five levels can be performed by one ormore encoders. In the preferred embodiment, each encoding level isperformed by a separate encoder. Alternatively, any or all of theencoder processes can be automatically implemented, for example, using acomputer.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first encoding process according to thepresent invention. In the first encoding process, the first encoderinitially prepares a magnetic video tape for encoding (2000). Whilemagnetic video tape is used in the presently preferred embodiment of theinvention, the invention is also readily adapted for use with anyappropriate type of storage medium, such as film.

To prepare the magnetic tape for processing, the first encoder separatesfrom the other tracks on the videotape the tape track that records oneof the camera angles of a parallel-processed game videotape. Thisseparated tape track is then inserted into a video playing and editingmachine, such as a Betacam, manufactured by Sony Electronics Inc. ofFort Myers, Fla. and controlled by the Videomedia—Local Area Network(V-LAN) manufactured by Videomedia Inc of San Jose, Calif.

Each tape track is then divided into a series of consecutive clips. Aclip is a tape segment of a predetermined event. For example, each playof a football game videotape can be designated as a separate clip. Afile naming protocol known as Clip ID is used to index each clip in thevideo database (2005).

Consistent beginning and ending points, hereinafter referred to as “In”and “Out” points, respectively, are then determined for each named clip(2010) of each separate track of the video tape. Therefore, clips of theidentical play but from different camera angle tapes can besynchronized.

A software application is next used to generate a BatchEncodingList(hereafter referred to as Encoders Control List or ECL) from theseparated video track (2015). In this batch encoding process, the ECLfile is used to encode all specified In and Out points of each videoclip into an MPEG-2 video stream format file. One suitable batchencoding software application is MPEG Works by FutureTel Inc ofSunnyvale, Calif. An ECL is generated for each camera angle stored on avideotape. For example, a videotape of a football game can includetracks that store sideline, endzone, and overhead cameras. The clips arepreferably batch-encoded to an MPEG-2 format. However, any alternativevideo format that can be indexed, stored, and displayed according to theteachings of the present invention can also be used.

While the batch encoding process according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention is performed manually by an encoder, theprocess can also be automatically performed, for example, using computercontrol.

Each encoded videotape has its own unique ECL. Corrections, such asgamma, color, brightness, saturation hue, and compression ration can besaved to the ECL for subsequent use during display of the associatedclip.

In one embodiment of the invention, each the video clips of eachdifferent view of a play can be separately and simultaneously encoded.For example, each encoder can manually pause the frame of a displayedclip at a particular point, such as a scoreboard view occurring prior tothe In point of the clip. The GSSD can then be entered. Data entrydifferences between the different views can be detected, and errorscorrected.

FIG. 7 is a screen display of a BatchEncodingList GUI and enter 389 intothe system the according to the present invention. The first encoderplays a videotape track, and identifies a series of consecutive clipswithin the track. An ECL set-up dialog 382 is used to set up initial ECLbatch encoding data. For example, the set-up dialog can include textboxes for the game week 384, home team 386, and visitor team 388.

The software application that is used to generate the ECL automaticallyassigns sequential clip identification (Clip ID) numbers 390 to eachconsecutive numbered clip 392. The first encoder then determines the Inand Out points that define the beginning and end of each clip, andassigns a file name to each clip.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Clip ID for aparticular clip is assigned according to the attributes of the clip.However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the Clip Ids canalso be assigned randomly or using any other assigning convention withwhich the clips can be indexed, searched, and retrieved according to theteachings of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the first character of the Clip IDrepresents the current week of game play, using a letter. For example,A=Week 1, and D=Week 4. The next four characters in the Clip IDrepresent the initials of the teams that are playing in the currentclip. The order of these characters establishes which is the Home teamand which is the Visiting team. As an illustration, the Home team can beindicated first and the Visiting team can be indicated second, forexample, using the designations “AA”=Team 1 and “BB” Team 2.

The software application then automatically logs each clipconsecutively, using a play extension. For example, “001”=the first playof a game, and “023”=the twenty-third play of the game. A file extensionindicating to the computer operating system the format of the clip filecan be appended to the Clip ID. Thus, “mpg” indicates that the file isstored in the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format.

As an illustration, the clip having the Clip ID “CAABB023.mpg” is thetwenty-third play of the third game of the season, between Team 1,playing at home, and visiting Team 2. The clip is stored in MPEG format.

The BatchEncodingList GUI can also include a Clip ID dialog box 381 thatpermits the first encoder to select 379 and open 391 a selected clip byentering the particular game 383, home team 385, and visitor team 387information. The second encoder controls the batch encoding processusing camera control 353 buttons, such as a play button 351 and a pausebutton 355. The first encoder can return to a previous clip, or advanceto the next consecutive clip by clicking the respective clip advancecontrols 357, 359.

The invention includes at least one storage device for storing theclips, and database, to be indexed, sorted, and displayed, as well asthe software applications required to perform these functions. Suchstorage device can include a hard disk drive, floppy disk, CD-ROM,digital video disk, laser disk, magnetic tape, video tape, film, or anyother computer-accessible storage medium.

The first encoder divides a video tape into consecutive clips accordingto predetermined criteria. An In point is then identified at thebeginning of each clip and is selected by clicking the appropriatebutton 394. The In point is determined according to consistent, definedcriteria. For example, in a video tape of a football game, each play canbe designated a separate clip. The In point of each clip can then bearbitrarily selected as, for example, two seconds prior to the snap ofthe ball in the play referenced in the particular clip.

An Out point is similarly determined for each clip and selected byclicking on the Out button 396. The In and Out points can be selected atany appropriate and consistent times. The In and Out points are used tosynchronize clips from different camera angle videotapes. These

In and Out points are electronically stored, for example, by storing theIn and Out times 395, 397, respectively, in the ECL. The clip length 398can also be determined and stored.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a second encoding process according to thepresent invention. The primary function of the second encoder is toindex all play information (2030). The second encoder also monitors thebatch encoding process performed by the first encoder.

Play information includes the game week, playing conditions, game score,home and visitor teams, time of play, down, quarter, yardage, and whichteam is playing offense. While this information is manually determinedand entered into the database by the second encoder in the presentlypreferred embodiment, the information can alternatively be automaticallydetermined and entered.

For example, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, anintelligent scene detection process is used to detect, recognize,identify, and record motion. The intelligent software agent process canalso be used to detect, recognize, identify, and record sounds. Suchmotion can include scoreboard displays, scene changes, volume levels,and sound textures. The intelligent scene detection process can beimplemented using hardware, firmware, or software components.

Various visually displayed items, such as colors, color, time of day,scene types, volume levels and lighting conditions are represented asspecific zones of a screen display. An intelligent software agent isthen used to scan the video at all times to detect the relationship ofeach stored item's screen location to that of other items. Thisrelationship can be determined regardless of whether or not theparticular stored item is displayed in the currently viewed clip.

Human input is initially used to select, name, and identify the zones inwhich these visually displayed items are located. Upon receiving initialhuman input, the intelligent software agent is increasingly, over time,operable to search for and identify the selected items and theirrelationship to one another.

A name field is attached to items that are identified by the intelligentsoftware agent. These items are then automatically tracked as theirappearances and screen locations change from one clip to another. Theintelligent agent can continually be self-aligned to track and recordmultiple sets of information.

The information is automatically captured from the video image andwritten to a file. This process effectively translates visuallydisplayed data such as scoreboard information, into an instantlyaccessible text file for the database, or other applications.

Certain items of play information remain constant for each clip in agame. For example, the game week and home/visitor team information orwhether the game is being played on natural or artificial turf does notchange during a particular game. The invention permits thisGame-Specific Setup Data (GSSD) to be entered only once for each ECLfile. The GSSD is then automatically reused for each clip in the game(2035). The play information is then copied for each additional videotrack of a particular game until changed (2040). In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the Clip ID number is automaticallyincremented for consecutive clips.

FIG. 9 is a screen display of a second encoder GUI 400 according to thepresent invention. The second encoder first selects an ECL file. The ECLfile can be a single master file, or many files which can be distributedacross different locations. The ECL file is associated with the file'sspecific MPEG-encoded video stream. This file contains the previouslyencoded In and Out points. These In and Out points are used to determinethe frame intervals between encoded clips in the selected stream.

An ECL file is the basic element of a central database to which data isentered in other encoding processes. The ECL file includes essentialinformation that is used in generating.a clip list for screen viewingbased on Clip IDs of selected clips. Such ECL files can also be used toadvantage in automating the various encoding processes according to thepresent invention.

The second encoder enters all GSSD for the selected ECL file into adialog box 394. The dialog box can be automatically displayed uponselection of an ECL, or can be manually displayed by the second encoder.The GSSD is entered using the Game Week 402, Home Team 404, Visitor Team406, and Playing Turf 408 buttons of the Game Week setup display. ThisGSSD information does not need to be reentered, and is automaticallylogged for each consecutive clip in the ECL file.

In the figure, the GSSD buttons are located at the bottom of the screen.However, the positioning of the buttons is a matter of designconvenience only. Therefore, the buttons may optionally be located atany convenient positions on the display. Additionally, the GSSDinformation may be entered through use of other input means. Forexample, a drop-down list box, check box, or separate data entryscreen(s) may be provided for entry of the GSSD in lieu of buttons.

The second encoder then enters the remaining play information for theclip being encoded. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, this information can include the clip number 411, score 410,down 412, yard line 414, time remaining 416, quarter 418, and whetherthe home team is playing offense 420. The clip number is automaticallyincremented for each consecutive clip in a video tape. An automaticfill-repeat feature transfers redundant score data from clip to clip.

A Clip Control box 422 permits the second encoder to go back 424 to aprevious clip, or to go forward 426 to review the next consecutive clipof the video tape. The Clip ID number of the current 430 and theprevious 428 or next (not shown) clips can also be displayed. The ClipID box also includes a delete button 432 to permit the second encoder todelete a clip.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second encodermonitors the batch encoding process performed by the first encoder. Thesecond encoder manually pauses the frame on the video display deck onany scoreboard shot which occurs prior to the in point of a particularclip. The second encoder then manually enters specific game data,including game score, home and visitor, time of play, down, quarter,yardage, and which team is playing offense for each consecutive clip.

All clips for each camera angle are stored in sequence in the ECL file.For example, the twenty-third clip in CAABB023.mpg for sideline, endzoneor any other camera angle will have the same file name in the database.Therefore, all alternative camera angle clips for the same play willstore the same play information. Thus, there is no need to monitor andencode play data for every angle that is batch digitized to the, forexample, MPEG file format.

The clip for each camera angle will be in a separate part of thedirectory tree. For example, the sideline and endzone camera angles forthe twenty-third clip are stored as:

c:/main_data/sideline/CAABB023.mpg

c:/main_data/endzone/CAABB023.mpg

When data has been entered into all of the fields on the display screen,the information is stored to the database. The second encoder GUI thenautomatically displays the screen for the next consecutive clip in theECL file. While the second encoder can select any clip for data input,the second encoder cannot bypass an incomplete record by using the ClipControl.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a third encoding process according to thepresent invention. The third encoder first selects a game week to encode(2050). In response to this selection, all video clips for the selectedgame are retrieved. The clips are retrieved using file managementsoftware application (2055) such as Microsoft Access, produced byMicrosoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

These clips are cued-up and displayed in the GUI, beginning with thefirst untracked clip of the game. An untracked clip does not contain anyplayer jersey number data. This feature permits the third encoder toautomatically return to the next clip for data entry after havinglogged-off from the data entry terminal for an extended period of time.

The third encoder then manually enters the jersey numbers of all playersin a particular clip (2060). The third encoder obtains this informationby viewing the clip and then recording all of the visible numbers.Alternatively, an intelligent software agent, such as previouslydescribed with respect to the second encoder process, can be used toobtain and record such information.

A MasterPlayerID is assigned for each player whose relevant informationis not stored in the database (2065). The third encoder also identifiesand records the snap point of each play (2070). A SuperFill feature thenautomatically copies all of a previous clip's player data to the nextconsecutive clip on the same “Point of Attack” (2075).

FIG. 11 is a screen display of a tracking sequence GUI 440 according tothe present invention. The third encoder enters the game number in thegame text box 442 displayed in the GSSD box 447 to select the game weekfor encoding. The first untracked clip is automatically displayed in thevideo screen box 480, and the clip's Clip Id number is displayed in theclip list 481. The Game-Specific Setup Data for the clip is alsoautomatically displayed.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least theportion of the Clip ID list that includes the currently-displayed clipfor the selected game is displayed. The currently displayed clip can beindicated, for example, by highlighting.

While examining each clip, the third encoder manually enters into theplayer number text box 448 the jersey number for each player on theplaying field. As each number is entered 446, it is displayed in a box462 in a team roster display 466.

The third encoder can also enter into the database data concerning aplayer's actual location on the video clip display. For example, whenentering ajersey number, the third encoder can also enter into thedatabase the selected player's location at the start of the play. In oneembodiment of the invention, a circle with crosshairs is used toidentify the selected player at the start of the play. This circledisappears when the snap point is determined.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Home team andthe Visitor team each have separate data entry and display boxes, suchas the player number text boxes, and player roster displays. However, inalternative embodiments of the present invention, selection means, suchas a toggle, can be provided. In such case, a single set of data entryand display boxes can be used to enter and display both Home and Visitorteam data.

The invention uses a SuperFill process to automatically copy all of aprevious clip's player data to the next consecutive clip on the same“Point of Attack. A Point of Attack is defined as a series of offensive,or defensive, or special teams plays. For example, an offensive drive offive consecutive plays (with no penalties) would be a Point of Attackhaving five consecutive clips.

The player data from the first clip in a Point of Attack is stored in atemporary file. This temporary file can be stored in a central database,or in a local database accessible only to the third encoder's terminal.The data in this temporary file is automatically reused and displayed tothe third encoder when the next consecutive clip in the Point of Attackis displayed. The display screen for this next consecutive clip reflectsthe presence of such SuperFill data by, for example, by displaying thesetemporarily stored jersey numbers with a different color background. Thetemporary file is retained in memory at least until the next consecutiveclip is processed.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the SuperFilljersey numbers are “grayed out” (not shown). The third encoder selectsthe jersey number of each player who remains on the field during thisnext consecutive clip, for example, by clicking on the grayed out jerseynumber. This selection can be confirmed by means such as changing thecolor of the number. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, a selected grayed out number changes color to yellow toindicate confirmation, and the jersey number information is entered intothe database.

The third encoder can then modify this data to reflect any changes thathave occurred. For example, if one of eleven football players has beenreplaced in the next consecutive clip, the third encoder only needs tochange the jersey number of the replaced player to that of the newplayer. This modified information is then stored in the temporary filefor use with the next clip in the Point of Attack.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a Point of Attack refersonly to the plays of a particular drive or sequence. However, in analternative embodiment, a Point of Attack refers not only to the playsof a particular drive, but also to the last play of a previous drive orsequence of the same kind. Thus, the jersey number data from a team'slast offensive play of a series will be temporarily stored as SuperFilldata for use when the team begins its next offensive series. The numberof plays in an offensive series can be encoded by any of the first threeencoders.

Each player in the database is assigned an identification number,referred to as the player's MasterPlayerID. This MasterPlayerID remainsassigned to a player throughout the player's career, and is not changedas the player switches teams. A player who plays at more than oneposition can be issued a separate MasterPlayerID for each position.

A player's MasterPlayerID is retrieved from the database upon the entryof the player's jersey number. The MasterPlayerId is then used toretrieve player-specific information from the. database. In thisprocess, the player's number, position, and team information arecross-referenced for each clip in which the player is a participant. Asan example, in response to the entry of the jersey number “12” for anoffensive player, the invention would retrieve information such as:

Team: Anytown, USA

Name: John Athlete

Position: Safety.

An input dialog box (not shown) is generated in response to an entry ofapparently inconsistent player-specific information, or an entry of aplayer name not found in the database. For example, if the number “12”were entered as a wide receiver, the MasterPlayerId of John Athlete iscompared with the MasterPlayerIds in the database. An input dialog box(not shown) is then automatically generated by the invention filemanagement software when the MasterPlayerId comparison retrieves theinformation that player John Athlete is a safety. This input dialog boxcan display a query to prompt the encoder to verify the inconsistentinformation, and to enter any corrections thereto. The file managementsoftware used by the invention is discussed below in more detail.

The tracking sequence GUI 440 also preferably includes a camera controlbox 465 and switchback control box. (See previous discussion withrespect to FIG. 4f).

Upon viewing the input dialog box, the third encoder can then eithercorrect a data entry error, or enter into the database the informationthat John Athlete is also playing as a safety. A new MasterPlayerId isgenerated for John Athlete to represent this additional side receiverposition. The fifth encoder is also prompted to enter into the databasethe relevant personal information and statistics of a player whose nameis added to the database by the third encoder.

The third encoder determines and marks the location of synchronizingpoints in each clip. Any clips that display the same play, for examplesideline and endzone views of the same play, will have the same Clip IDnumber. The synchronizing points in each of these clips are used tosynchronize the views to permit a user to switch the displayed views inreal time.

These synchronization points are selected according to predeterminedcriteria. In the football embodiment discussed herein, the snap point isdesignated the official start of a play. It is readily apparent that,for each alternative embodiment of the present invention, a differentstart point, such as the dropping of a puck, or the starting of a gameclock, may be selected.

The third encoder sets the start of a play by marking the snap point by,for example, clicking the snap point button 463 at the appropriate time.While in the presently preferred embodiment the snap point is determinedvisually and manually marked by the third encoder, in alternativeembodiments of the present invention, the snap point can beautomatically determined and entered into the database, for example,using an intelligent software application.

The snap point time is linked to the Clip ID number and is recorded inthe database for each video clip for both the sideline and endzonecamera angle clips. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the snap point is stored as a time-based list, and is notmarked onto the video clips. The third encoder can then use the linkedsnap points to verify that clips having the same Clip ID do, in fact,show the same play in the game.

When the player entry for a particular clip is completed, the thirdencoder proceeds to the next consecutive clip. A Clip Control box 468includes controls to permit the third encoder to go back 470 to aprevious clip, or forward 472 to the next clip.

The third encoder cannot proceed to encode the next consecutive clipuntil all player jersey numbers have been entered and until bothsideline and endzone snap points have been recorded. An error dialog box(not shown) is displayed if the third encoder attempts to proceed to thenext consecutive clip without having first entered this data.

Clip evaluation and custom player ratings are assigned in a fourthencoding process. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a fourth encoding processaccording to the present invention. The fourth encoder first searches inthe database for a particular player who participates in a clip (2090).

The fourth encoder evaluates the selected player performance and assignsthe player a Level One rating (2095). Each player participating in theclip is similarly evaluated. The fourth encoder then evaluates the clipitself and assigns the clip a Level Two rating (3000). The fourthencoder also sets the in and out points that designate Isolation Plays(3005).

FIG. 13 is a screen display of a clip evaluation GUI 500 according tothe present invention. The clip evaluation GUI used by the fourthencoder is similar to the End-User GUI, shown in FIG. 4a. However, inaddition to the features of the End-User GUI, the fourth encoder is alsoprovided with means to conduct player searches based upon differentcriteria, and means to enter data into the system database. The Figureis therefore discussed with regard to these additional features.

The clip evaluation GUI includes means for toggling between a playersearch criteria mode, and a rating structure criteria mode. Thistoggling means can be, for example, a toggle switch 502 or a selectablebutton on the display screen.

Upon selection of the player search criteria mode, a player searchselection box 503 is displayed. The selection box permits the fourthencoder to search the database for information and video clips selectedaccording to such searchable criteria as name, position, past team, ortermination date. The selection box has been previously described indetail with respect to FIG. 4b.

A Level One Rating is then assigned by the fourth encoder. The fourthencoder assigns this Level One Rating by reviewing each consecutive play(clip) of a video tape using a predefined set of ratings criteria. Thesecriteria can be adopted from, for example, recognized governmental ororganizational standards, or can be independently developed by theend-user of the present invention or by an information or rating serviceprovider using the invention. Thus, the scoring conventions currentlyused by the international governing bodies of gymnastics or diving canbe adopted for use with the present invention.

The presently preferred embodiment of the invention uses a bell-curverating system having rating numbers between one (for the “worst” play)and six (for the “best” play). The Level One Rating determines aplayer's “best and worst” plays for use by the View Time Control (VTC),as described above, with respect to FIG. 4. This rating can bedetermined by the fourth encoder, or by another person, such as atrained scout, for use by the fourth encoder.

To enter this rating into the database, the fourth encoder toggles fromthe player search criteria mode to the rating structure criteria mode. Arating box 504 is then displayed in the GUI. In the preferred embodimentof the present invention, the rating box displays a list of consecutiveclips 506, including the currently-selected clip 508. Thecurrently-selected clip is indicated by such means as highlighting. Thefourth encoder can then enter the Level One rating into the appropriatetext entry box 510.

The fourth encoder also assigns a Level Two rating to each clip. Thefourth encoder can then enter the Level Two rating into the appropriatetext entry box 512. The Level Two rating established the viewingpriority of the clip, as controlled by the VTC. For example, each clipcan be rated using a Level Two rating system having rating numbers offrom one two four. The end-user can then select for viewing clips havinga particular rating number. Thus, clips rated one would always be shown,while clips rated two through four would only be shown if user-selected.

The View Time Control enables the viewing criteria to be parsedaccording to multiple criteria. These criteria can includeuser-configured or encoder-configured features, or Custom Isolation PlaySets (described in detail below). The present invention displaysdifferent VTC parameters in response to the playing position of aselected player. The fourth encoder determines whether each of thedisplayed parameters is true or false. However, any displayed GSSDparameters cannot be so marked by the fourth encoder, because thisinformation has already been entered by a previous encoding process.

Examples of parameters for football player positions include, but arenot limited to:

For Receivers and Tight Ends—

Receive Short

Receive Long

Run After the Catch

For Offensive Tackles—

Pass Block

Run Block

For Running Backs and Full Backs—

Inside Run

Outside Run

Blocking

Receiving

100 Yard Plus Games

For Defensive Ends and Defensive Tackles—

Pass Rush

Run At

Runaway

For Linebackers—

Blitz

Coverage—Man

Coverage—Zone

Run At

Run Away

For Defensive Centers and Defensive Safeties—

Run Support

Coverage—Man

Coverage—Zone

The fourth encoder also sets the in and out points that designateIsolation Plays. An Isolation Play is a subset of a clip that includesthe highlight of that clip. The fourth encoder sets the Isolation PlayIn and Out points according to a predefined set of parameters thatdetermine which events qualify for Isolation Play status, and how manyseconds are to be allocated before and after the Isolation Play.

Different levels and distinct applications can be defined for theIsolationPlays, permitting an end-user to quickly locate and playspecific sets of video clips. One example of an Isolation Play is acatch by a receiver, and several seconds before and after the catch. Anend-user can therefore select and retrieve for display, for example, allIsolationPlays showing the catches of a particular receiver.

To set an Isolation Play, the fourth encoder selects the Isolation Playbutton 505 in the VTC box 507 of the display screen. In response to thisselection, the Play Loop switch 517 in the Clip Control box 511 of thedisplay is replaced with the Isolation Play switch 509, therebyindicating that Isolation Play is active. When Isolation Play is active,In and Out buttons 513, 515, respectively, are displayed. The fourthencoder clicks on the appropriate button during display of the clip toset the In and Out points, respectively.

Clicking the Isolation Play switch again toggles the Clip Control backto the Play Loop switch. When the Play Loop switch is active, Back andNext buttons 519, 521, respectively, are displayed, to permit the fourthencoder to view the previous or the next consecutive clip. The ClipControl has previously been discussed with respect to FIG. 4f.

Upon completion of the fourth encoding process, the database is updatedusing a fifth encoding process. FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a fifthencoding process according to the present invention. In this fifthencoding process, the fifth encoder is presented with a “to do” list ofdata entry fields, reflecting missing statistical information (3020).The fifth encoder enters this missing statistical information. Thedatabase is thereby updated with data such as team statistics, playerpersonal statistics, player injuries, information sources, as well asother specific data. The fifth encoder also monitors and enters playerprofile information (3025).

Additionally, in the fifth encoding process, player jersey numbers whichare not found in the database roster are noted in an automatic dataerror checking system. In this data checking system, fifth encoder isprompted to enter specific player information such as name, position,and MasterPlayerID. The assigning of a new MasterPlayerID to a playerhas been discussed in detail with respect to the third encoding processas illustrated by FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a screen display of a database update GUI 520 according tothe present invention. A list of all players with missing statisticalinformation is brought up in a queue (not shown) for review by the fifthencoder. This queue is presented as a “to do” list of data entry fields,for example, for new player jersey numbers that were previously loggedin the encoder level three process, but which were previously not in thesystem.

In the preferred embodiment, an empty field button 570 is provided. Thefifth encoder first clicks on the empty field button and then selectsany other field to locate and display all empty data fields in thedatabase for the selected field. For example, all players whose hometown data fields are empty are displayed upon clicking the empty fieldbutton and then selecting the home town field.

The fifth encoder can verify previously-entered information and enternew information into these fields. If there are no players listed in the“to do” list, then the fifth encoder can search for players by name 526,position 528, or for specific fields 530. In the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the database update GUI includes, but is notlimited to, data entry fields for team number 524, player name 526, andMasterPlayerId 532.

The statistical information database stores profile information for eachplayer. The fifth encoder monitors and edits this information. Playerprofile information can include, but is not limited to position 533,status 534, age (not shown), weight 536, height 538, speed 540,experience 542, college (not shown), date of birth 544, agent (notshown), last team (not shown), salary requirements 546, injury history548, home town 552, home phone 554, overall rating 556, and intra-leagueactivity reports 550. The players statistics (Statistics) 560, nameplate 562, and photo 564 can also be displayed.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specificstatistical data that can be entered into the statistical informationdatabase includes:

Rushing Statistics for Full-Backs and Half-Backs

Number of Rushes

Yards Rushing

Average

Touchdowns

Passing Statistics for Quarterbacks

Attempted

Completed

Yardage

Completion %

Touchdowns

Interceptions

Receiving Statistics for all Receivers (not shown)

Number of Catches

Yards

Touchdowns

Number of Drops (This statistic is preferably entered for each player'sclip by the fourth encoder.)

Defensive Statistics (not shown)

Number of Sacks

Total Number of Tackles

Number of Interceptions

Number of Touchdowns.

The fifth encoder can also enter a player overall rating into thedatabase. This overall rating can be determined from the average of theindividual player's ratings for each play in which the playerparticipated.

FIG. 16 is a system diagram of a system 600 for indexing, sorting, anddisplaying a video database according to the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, two separate statisticalinformation databases 602, 604 are maintained by verification encoders.A first database 602 stores the most recently available playerinformation. The second database 604 includes, for display in an encoderprocess 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 or End-User GUI 616, thepreviously-available player information. When a request for display ofdata is made for data stored in the second database, a check of thefirst database is also performed to determine whether more currentinformation is available. Both databases are preferably updated 605 on aperiodic basis. These updates can be performed by either a humanencoder, or automatically by a computer.

The present invention can be implemented on any suitable computerhardware configuration. The preferred embodiment uses a server-based 607electronic network using, for example, a PC-based computer runningMicrosoft SQL Server. A file management software application such asMicrosoft Access is used to generate, organize, and access any or all ofthe databases.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hardwareconfiguration includes 100 MB fiber channel network connections, twoTerabyte servers, and features a 5 MB per second data transfer rate.However, the invention can also be implemented using any other computerconfiguration, including an intranet system, Internet system, satellitecommunication system, personal computer-based system, broadcast network,or server-based network system. For example, the invention can beprovided as subscription service transmitted by satellite to asubscriber.

The invention can be distributed on a storage medium, such as on a harddrive, or removable storage cartridge. The user can then access thedatabase stored on the storage medium. Upgrades to the database can thenbe distributed to the User. Alternatively, the invention can be providedas an on-demand service, with the database being stored in the serviceprovider's storage medium. The information can then be distributed tothe User as requested, using such means as the Internet, cable, fiberoptics, or satellite transmission.

FIG. 17 is a system diagram of the security and administrationarchitecture according to the present invention. The security andadministration protocols are used in accessing the database, as well asin storing and assigning data thereto. Tasks subject to the security andadministrative protocol include software management and updating,technical support and assigning, issuing and verifying passwords. Thesecurity and administration protocols are also used to monitorapplication use, including the location, time of use, informationdisplayed, and password used.

Any or all features of the security and administration architectureaccording to the present invention can be provided with multiple levelsof access based upon security priority and password status. The featuressupported by the security and administration architecture are enabled byany appropriate software applications and hardware components.

In the remote access technical support feature 620, the technicalsupport personnel can use any digital transfer communication method todirectly access the invention hardware, software applications ordatabase 622. The technical support personnel can thereby diagnose,develop, test, update, monitor, or correct system problems. User queriescan also be answered in real time. The technical support personnel canalso use this feature to view the same display as is currently viewed byan encoder or User.

The live software and database update feature 624 permits remote accessto information stored in any database or available to any displayterminal of the system according to the present invention. Data andsoftware can thereby be monitored, reorganized, updated, and removed.

The user management feature 626 is used to remotely monitor passworduse. This feature can be used to monitor compliance with software orother licensing agreements. The user management monitoring can beperformed on-site or remotely using any supported communication means.

The user monitoring feature 628 is operable to track each encoder andUser's use of the system. This feature can be used to determine thelength of time that an encoder or user accessed any component area ofthe invention, and can provide administrative, marketing, field, player,and rating data. The user monitoring feature is used to advantage inmaintaining process quality control and in enabling processimprovements. The user monitoring feature can be performed on-site orremotely using any supported communication means.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dataassociated with one season of play is stored in a single database file.Such data includes player statistics and data associated with the videoclips.

An exemplary database structure is shown in Appendix “C”. In theexemplary database structure, a Player Master table stores the players'MasterPlayerIds and other related personal information such as name, ordate of birth. The MasterPlayerId of a selected player is used as apointer to information stored in a Player Current table. The PlayerMaster table, in conjunction with the Player Current table, is used tomanage the flow of data within the database.

The Player Current table is used to store current relevant playerinformation that can periodically change. Such information includes teamname, or jersey number. Information retrieved from the Player Currenttable in response to the selection of a player is displayed in thePlayer Information box. (See FIG. 4c, above). This player information isaccessed initially when a video clip is being played.

In a Player and Play table, a player's MasterPlayerId, stored in thePlayer Master table, is used, in conjunction with the Player Currenttable, to generate a response to a query from a user. The player'srating is stored to the Player and Play table. This rating can be usedto determine which video clips are retrieved for display in response toa search request.

A Clip Master table can be used to store the information entered intothe database in the second encoding process, such as the Clip Ids andclip length information. A list generated in response to a query to theClip Master table provides the location of data provided in response toany changes in the total amount of viewing time currently selected inthe View Time Control. The Clip Master table is also used to provide thelocation of the series of clips queued for viewing.

A Player Statistic table is used to store and maintain any statisticalinformation. More than one set of statistics can be stored per tablerecord. For example, statistical information can be stored according toweek, game, play, or according to any other set of sortable criteria.

A Position Codes table can be provided as a reference library. Thislibrary is queried to test and verify data entered into the system. Thistable is used to provide quality control for data entered into or outputfrom the system, as well as to promote consistent data and data formats.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the video andinformational data can be stored to a database according to anyappropriate database storage configuration. Such configurations caninclude separate files, separate databases, local and remote locations,server setup, and partitions.

The present invention also uses a multimedia authoring softwareapplication such as Macromedia Director to control the media elements,such as the video tape. The multimedia authoring software application isused to import graphics or video. The graphics or video are theninteractively integrated and synchronized with the informationdatabases.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is adapted for use bysports professionals such as scouts, managers, players, coaches,officials, and sports journalists. However, the invention can be readilybe adapted for use by any other user, such as a researcher or fan.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the teachings of the presentinvention are also readily adapted for use with any sport, or withnon-sports uses. For example, a database according to the presentinvention can store clips of movie, theater, and musical performances,such as for use by talent agents, or political speeches and records ofvotes for use by political analysts. The present invention can also beused to index, sort, and display other types of media elements,including audio, audio tracks associated with video tape, and film.

While, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, ratinginformation is entered into the database as part of an encoder process,in an alternative embodiment, this rating information is not included inthe database as an encoder process. An information or rating serviceprovider can then use the invention to provide a customized ratingsystem or evaluation of individual players or teams based upon thestatistics stored in the invention databases.

The invention can be implemented with any appropriate data entry anddata output, including keyboard, touch screen, voice recognition,pointer device such as trackball, touchpad, wand, mouse, handwritingrecognition, audio input and output, and touch-sensitive screen. Inaddition, the graphical user interfaces of the present invention can usedifferent data entry and input means including, but not limited to abutton, dialog box, slider bar, keyboard input, touch screen, and voicerecognition. Selected buttons or other elements can be indicated bymeans such as highlighting, changing color, changing size, changingposition on display, or changing font.

The graphical user interfaces shown in the Figures are exemplary only,and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in anyway. The present invention can be implemented using any suitablegraphical user interface configuration. For example, any button, toggleor other data entry or input means can be positioned at any point on thescreen. In one embodiment of the present invention, any or all of thegraphical user interfaces are user-configurable. Alternatively, any orall of the graphical user interfaces can be configurable by manufactureraccording to user specifications, or not configurable.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least the Useris provided with a Preferences GUI to set and save GUI displaypreferences. However, in alternative embodiments, each process level GUIcan be provided with a preferences GUI. Thus, any or all of the encoderscan configure the appearance and any or all of the options displayed inthe encoder's specific GUI.

Advertising or logo(s) can optionally be displayed on any or all of theGUIs. This advertising or logo can include animation, sound, text, orgraphics. Password protection is required to access the encoder processand End-User GUIs in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.However, in alternative embodiments, such password protection can beoptional at any or all process levels.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is describedherein in reference to the use of two cameras, the endzone and thesideline cameras, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatany number of cameras and camera angles can be used. Furthermore, anynumber of cameras, video tracks or audio tracks can be synchronized tothe original video clips encoded according to the teachings of theinvention. For example, a sound track can be synchronized with the videoclips.

Additionally, there is no requirement that there be a synchronized clipfor any or all of the video clips processed according to the invention.Thus, one or more video clips can be indexed, sorted, and displayedwithout the existence of a second synchronized clip. As an example, theteachings of the present invention can be applied to a football gamethat is videotaped, at least in part, by only one camera.

A zoom feature for any or all of the process levels. Thus, for example,all of the encoders and the User can zoom in to enlarge the videodisplay of a clip, and zoom out to view a wide-angle display.

Any or all of the GUIs of the present invention can be provided with anexpandable toolbar. Therefore, new tools and features can be added tothe GUIs. For example, search features that permit the User to searchfor video clips according to turf, weather, or day/night can be added tothe appropriate User and encoder GUIs.

The present invention is readily implemented using well known hardwarecomponents. In addition, the software applications required to implementthe invention can be readily devised by one of skill in the art usingwell-known programming techniques.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented usingthe MPEG-2 format for the video clips. However, any other appropriatevideo format may also be used. The MPEG-2 format can be supported by ahardware component such as a hardware-based MPEG-2 decoder card.However, the invention can also be readily implemented using software orfirmware support for the MPEG-2 format video.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that variations whichembody the spirit of the present invention are possible and are intendedto be included within the scope of the amended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for indexing,sorting, searching and displaying a database, comprising the steps of:a. creating a searchable computer database structure for storing videoand informational data; b. determining the discrete component clips ofat least one video record such that each clip represents a predeterminedevent; c. assigning an identification number to each clip such that allclips showing the same event have same clip identification number; d.determining the beginning and ending points of each clip; e. storing tothe database structure the determination of the discrete componentclips, the identification number, and the beginning and ending points ofsteps b through d; f. identifying at least one person appearing in atleast one of the discrete component clips; g. storing the identificationinformation of step f to the database structure; h. assigning a personalidentification number to each person identified in step f; i. storingthe personal identification number to the database structure; j. storingselected information to the database structure about at least theidentified person such that the selected information is indexed to theidentified person's personal identification number wherein the storedselected information includes a rating of the identified person'sperformance as shown in at least one of the clips, and includes aneditorial view priority; k. using the personal identification number andthe clip identification numbers to index the informational database tothe component video clips; I. displaying a view time control box, saidview time control box comprising a first sliding bar with aminimum-maximum time range for selecting the total number of minutes ofvideo clip footage which the user desires to view, as determined by theeditorial view priority, a second sliding bar with a range of best toworst for selecting the quality of plays of a person in a video clipwhich the viewer desires to view, a separate window for displaying thetotal number of minutes selected by the first sliding bar, searching forvideo clips based on the positions of the first sliding bar, and thesecond sliding bar.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising thesteps of: identifying a plurality of video clips having the same clipidentification number; and synchronizing the beginning and ending pointsof the identified video clips; wherein a display of an identified videoclip can be switched in real time to a display of any other identifiedvideo clip having the same identification number.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the informational database includes any information to beindexed to any discrete component clip in at least one video record. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein the information in the informationaldatabase includes audio, graphical, and textual information.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing apredefined rating structure; and using the predefined rating structureto assign a rating to any of a video record, video clip, performance ofat least one person appearing in a video clips, or overall performanceof at least one person appearing in a plurality of video clips.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further including the step of displaying any videoclip and associated indexed information retrieved from the databasestructure in response to a input user-defined search criteria on adedicated console.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof providing at least one computer graphical user interface forperforming any or all of steps a through I.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of controlling the display of the video clipat a selected frame interval to permit a slow motion display of thevideo clip.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the view time control boxfurther includes a plurality of search selection boxes, wherein a usercan select and deselect videotape clips to be searched.